Motorcycle Riding Tips: What To Pack On A Cross Country Tour

Welcome to Harley Davidson Accessories Guide.



Motorcycle Riding Tips: What To Pack On A Cross Country Tour



One of the most exciting part of motorcycling is going on a cross-country tour, whether it be a weekend jaunt or a full-blown month long cruising hiatus.







There are lots of choices of which types of luggage to take with you on your bike such as saddlebags, tail bags, tank bags, fanny packs or even a glorified coat hanger we now call a sissy bar bag. Just make sure every space count when you start stuffing items on your saddle bag. Choose tools like the army knife which performs various chores, resealable plastic bags which you can store dirty clothes or use to dispose of any trash. Another example is a bandanna, which you can use as neck protection, bandage or face shield cleaner.






Another motorcycle riding tip is to remember that the motorcycle's handling and braking will change once you get all your stuff on board, not to mention you will be bringing along a passenger and her stuff as well. That will add more weight. Make sure the air pressure in your tires is the correct one. Always bring along a tire gauge. The suspension settings are stiffen to accommodate the extra load.






Before heading out on the road, practice in a vacant lot to get a feel of any noticeable difference in the handling of the motorcycle like losing a measure of your maximum acceleration and increasing your braking distance.






Buy quality bungee cords and bungee nets which you can tie and loop around your luggage. Strap it on your bike for security of not losing your bags along the way. Even if your motorcycle or saddlebags have fasteners and bag guards you need added security of keeping your luggage from sliding down into the rear wheel by strapping your entire luggage than it seems to require.






One of the most important thing you can't leave home without is your cellphone. Encode your in case of emergency (ICE) numbers and phone number of a bunch of people that are ready to help or rescue you if something goes awry with your touring trek. Of course, you don't want to be caught in the middle of nowhere with a dead cellphone. So make sure to bring a spare battery,charger and a mechanism wherein you can charge your cellphone from the bike.






Just one of the few motorcycle riding tips is to always place the heaviest stuff on the bottom of your saddlebag closest to the center of the bike as possible. Line your luggage with trash bags in case it rains. Bring synthetic type of clothes, Cotton is a big no no. Cotton absorbs sweat and dries slowly.

For camping equipment, a small two-men tent works just fine and self-inflatable mattress that blow itself up. In the morning you just open the valve, roll it up and you are good to go. Limit to one pot and eating utensils.






Bring along food, unless you have ridden the road before you can never be too sure when the next meal is coming up.






The trick here is to keep your load manageable. Pack for all imaginable kinds of conditions you are likely to encounter but keep the load as sparse as possible. I suggest you use a three bag system of various sizes. Bag one-for the rider's needs, Bag two- for motorcycle tools and Bag-three for clothes.






If you buy quality products you are done shopping for years. If you have problems arising during your odyssey, it's comforting to know that the solution is probably in the bag.






Bag One- Rider's Needs:






neoprene face mask


extra pair of gloves


rain suit


sunglasses or goggles


bandanna


little bars of soap


small bottles of shampoo


razor/shaving creme


toilet paper


toothbrush/toothpaste


sunscreen/lip balm


spare face shields-clear and tinted


rags


first aid kit


local/state maps


compass


cellphone/charger.spare battery


cap


weather-band radio


notebook and pen


earplugs


hand cleaner wipes


wallet/money/credit cards


camera/battery/lots of memory cards


bottles of H2o


Gatorade


snacks






Bag Two- Motorcycle Tools:






crescent, Allen, torx wrenches


pliers


tie repair kits with inflator


pocket knife


led flashlight with clip for hands free illumination


jumper cable


duct tape nuts, bolts, screws


electrical wire


small container of oil


spare fuses, spark plugs


instrument bulb,taillight,headlight and turn-signal bulbs


motorcycle locks


bungee cords and net


spare AA battery


screwdriver


tire gauge


solution to clean face shields


tool roll or pouch for loose tools






Bag -Three Clothes:






Group smaller items into a small roll and put it into a mesh bag. Vertically, store separate bags so they are accessible. This includes your underwear. Plan wash stops.






Hope you get some ideas on what to pack if you are going cruising on your motorcycle, right here in the motorcycle riding tips category at Harley Davidson Accessories Guide.

Motorcycle Security Systems

Welcome To Harley Davidson Accessories Guide.




There are various motorcycle security systems in the current market as there are many ways thefts can steal your motorcycle. For starters, the crooks can chisel and use bolt cutters on your motorcycle chains. Some even use tools like torches and grinders. More serious criminals will lift your two-wheeler and load it into a waiting van and deal with the locks later at his own leisure. Others will get away with your motorcycle during a test ride and never some back.




You don't have to deal with anger,denial and all other mixed emotions that you will go through arising from a traumatic experience of having your bike stolen by protecting your ride. You really have no reason to leave your most prized possession at risk. You have to have a little foresight and more determination to out-step the bad guys.



There are several practical ways to decrease the odds of your machines being pilfered. Though no single motorcycle security system is totally foolproof but consider your peace of mind.



You are proud of your motorcycle. That's a fact. But don't park it in front of everybody attracting different kinds of attention and passing thieves can easily cozy up to it. If you don't have a garage , buy a motorcycle cover, lock your bike and cover it. Not knowing what is underneath the cover, makes it difficult to assess of stealing it.Metal grommets on a motorcycle cover can be locked in place to prevent the cover itself from being stolen and shoo away prying eyes.



You will need secondary locks. You can use a combination of locks like fork lock, steering lock, brake disc lock, u-locks,chains,lever locks on the clutch etc. The thieves would have no time nor the expertise to tackle different locks in one setting. Make sure the chains doesn't loop or drape on the ground for the thief to easily cut it with bolt cutter. The chain should be as tight as possible and pit the locks in hard-to-reach angle. The strong u-lock and chain use to attach your bike to a solid object like lamppost, fence or another vehicle preventing professional culprit s of lifting away your motorcycle into their truck.



If you have the extra cash and want to go high tech ,buy alarmed disc locks. Cutting chains, removing locks or even lifting your motorcycle cover can start the alarm and will make noise. get an alarm with pager that notifies you when someone tampers with it. You can't always be around the area where your bike is. So an alarm with a page is a good investment.



Don't park your motorcycle next to big truck or van. Choose carefully a spot to park where felons cannot intentionally block the view of your bike.



Fix a Datatag or Alpha Dot security marking system or use an ultra violet pen to mark you driver's license and other identification on body panels, frame. engines or seat. In case your motorcycle get stolen, you have better chance of getting your bike or parts back, if the police can identify them with you ID on the bike parts. This will also help convict the thief or the handler of stolen parts as well.



Take a picture of your bike, so that police will know what they are looking for. Have all important information such as Vin and license plate number and registration documents handy.



Of course, make sure your motorcycle and accessories have insurance coverage. Insurance will not keep your motorcycle from being stolen but the experience will not make it that traumatic.



You can choose either professionally installed motorcycle security system or the DIY kind.



There are lots of different locking system in the market, ranging from the top of the line to items you can scrounge at your local hardware store. Of course, the difference would mean the cost and the added benefit of decreased insurance premiums. You have a choice really, to stop thieves from rolling your motorcycle away and discourage street prowlers in search of an easy target by decreasing your motorcycle's theft potential by putting a kind of motorcycle security system on your bike.

motorcycle security systems




Thanks for visiting Harley Davidson Motorcycle Accessories Guide.

Harley Davidson Leather Jacket:Buying Tips

Welcome to Harley Davidson Accessories Guide.

After millions of years we still do what our ancestors did-cover and protect our skin with leather. A leather jacket is a biker's best friend. It does not only protect you from rain, cold, sand, gravel, minor abrasions( in case you crash) but it contributes to the overall looks and effect of a certain image you are trying to project.



A Harley Davidson leather jacket may be famous for giving the rider that bad boy image but the truth behind it is that it gives you ample protection and at the same time make the wearer feel luxurious. It is important to note that leather sizing is different from regular clothes sizing. If the leather jacket fit snugly the first time you wear it, it will stretch a little and mould to your body's shape overtime with constant wearing.


Harley Davidson leather jackets can be made of different types of leather like buffalo,cow,sheep,horse and kangaroo. Ideally, motorcycle leather jackets should be 1 to 1.5 millimeters thick. The thinner, softer and supple kind may look good and hug your curves but does not really have protective qualities unlike the heavy , thick kind.


Jacket length is important to consider if you are thinking of buying one. Short leather jackets maybe superior as far as aesthetics are concern but they have the tendency to slide up when you lean as you grab the handlebars. Leaving your back exposed and vulnerable to the elements.


If you are cultivating a king-sized gut, longer motorcycle leather jacket that reaches down your hips is more comfortable and keeps the breeze from blowing up your back in colder rides. The short motorcycle leather jacket is regarded as a weekend jacket and not many seasoned riders use it as a primary jacket.


Look for Harley Davidson leather jacket with sleeves that are pre-curved and tapered to mimic a riding position and long enough to cover your waist when your arms are stretch forward. The sleeves should fit snugly enough, so it won't buffet in the wind and can not pull up and expose your forearms. You will also want a little bit of adjust ability in the cuff area to accommodate watches or gloves or any additional layers of clothing when riding on chilly days.


You might want to stay away with leather jackets that have over sized zipper, fancy snaps or big buckles. they can come into constant contact with your bike more constantly and stretch your bike's paint.


So in a nutshell, buy a Harley Davidson leather jacket that not only feels comfortable, you look dashing in it,provides maximum protection and the kind that should increase your comfort level as you ride in different ranges of temperature.

Harley Davidson leather jackets



 Thanks for visitng Harley Davidson Accessories Guide.

Why Wear A Harley Davidson Full Face Helmet?

Welcome to Harley Davidson Accessories Guide...

In the event of a crash consider your face being hit first. Wearing a Harley Davidson full face helmet makes you say, I'm glad i have that on. Many riders who winded up in long term care or permanently disabled from neck, facial or head injuries would have appreciated how valuable a helmet can be to prevent that kind of devastation.

The next most important accessory to buy after you have bought your Harley Davidson motorcycle is a Harley Davidson full face helmet. The process of finding the right helmet could be as daunting and challenging as buying your Harley bike. What with all the varying models and sizes that are available in today's motorcycle helmet market would make one dizzy with lots of choices.

Some riders prefer open-face helmets because for them it cools their faces especially riding during hot summer days. And more riders even say that there's no comfortable helmet out there. I'd say they are irresponsible if not uninitiated. They don't realize the risks involved in riding. Statistics show that riders who wear helmets during a crash save their lives and suffer less injuries than those didn't. Moreover, riders who wear Harley Davidson full face helmets have full coverage over their heads thus benefit from maximum protection because no area is left unprotected.

If you are the kind of rider who loves to go cross country cruising or someone who enjoys riding all year round , wearing Harley Davidson full face helmet is definitely the best option for you. You can adjust your lock down visor if you feel the winter wind is nipping. If your bike has windshield, the helmet will protect your face from buffeting winds. A Harley Davidson full face helmet also protects you from sunburns, rain, hail. sand, gravel and bugs.

Others insist that the full coverage helmet limits your peripheral vision and mutes the noise all around you. While a full face helmet muffles external sounds from the environment when riding, considerably that is a good thing. You want to hear the more important sounds that concern you like- engines and tires of approaching vehicles, police or ambulance sirens, voices of pedestrians or something may have fallen off from your bike. By wearing a Harley Davidson full face helmet you will have reduced wind roars and all around noise is muted off, enabling you to hear the more important sounds like the ones aforementioned. It will also keep you alert by reducing fatigued from the wind. And you will not damage your hearing capacity of the effects of wind noise and loud exhaust if you wear a Harley Davidson full face helmet.

Best of all you want superior comfort and maximum protection all the while looking your best and a Harley Davidson full face helmet offers just that.

Harley Davidson Full Face Helmets

Thanks for visiting Harley Davidson Accessories Guide.

Harley Davidson Boots Buying Guide

Welcome to Harley Davidson Accessories Guide.

Any self-respecting motorcycle rider demand more than just stylish footwear. Research shows more than eighty percent of all motorcycling accident resulted in leg fractures. A good riding gear should be designed to shield and protect all twenty six fragile bones in your feet and what can serve this purpose better than wearing a pair of Harley Davidson boots.

Harley Davidson are world famous for their high quality boots.Harley Davidson are made of topnotch genuine leather and other industry leading materials. They not only carry the hallmark of style but ideally suited for rough and tough, extremely comfortable and can last a long time. Harley Davidson make boots that are equally at par with their legendary motorcycles.

When you are out riding your bike you are exposed to harsh sun, damp, rain and cold and so are your boots. You need to see to it that your pair is waterproofed. That's your basic concern in maintaining your riding boots. Keep them away from water. You wouldn't want your leather boots to wear out before its time would you? Just browse around online and you can see that there are Harley Davidson for every gender, age and size.

Professional and amateurs riders alike swear by Harley Davidson boots. You will know why once you try a pair on yourself.

Here are few but important details you must check before buying a pair of Harley Davidson boots:


1. The sole should be thick enough to reduce vibration of your bike's engine. Soles must be non-skid to prevent you from tipping over.


2. It must be waterproofed to make your pair last longer and keep your feet dry. That way you won't risk developing fungal infections on your feet especially you are fond of wearing water-absorbing cotton socks.


3. There should be armor over the ankle. Plastic padding to keep anklebones intact in case you fall over.


4.Motorcycle boots that have vents is an added feature. It should have heels that allow for easy reach to the brake and shift lever and comfortable positioning on foot pegs.

5. It should have extra shin protection. Knee-length boots come to mind.

6.Boots that have secure retention system, meaning it won't slip off in the event of a crash.

7. Must have toe sliders for easy entry and flexible internal heel and toe cups.


Overall the boots' design must improve your riding experience with comfort and rugged enough to protect your feet,legs and ankles from muffle burns and abrasions or other external assaults in case of a tumble-over. What else offers that combination of comfort and protection than a Pair of Harley Davidson boots.

Harley Davidson Men's Boots

Thanks for visiting Harley Davidson Accessories Guide.

Buyings Tips For Harley Davidson Gloves

Welcome to Harley Davidson Accessories Guide...

A pair of motorcycle leather gloves should be the next best important accessory you must buy after the helmet. Every serious rider should have, not just a pair but a "wardrobe" of motorcycle gloves.

Harley davidson gloves are made of superior and top-notch materials. And they are made comfortable yet tough to resist abrasions,chemical spillages,wounds and cuts. Gloves made of deerskin and goatskin are supple and inside the gloves seams are sewn with durable thread material.

Open tipped or fingerless gloves are better than nothing if you venture out riding your bike. But opt for Harley Davidson gloves that cover fully your hands. In the event of a crash your first reaction would be to extend your arms and hands out if you get off the mount due to impact. And you will be glad you have protective layer under those outstretched fingers.

Harley davidson gloves have superior gripping system. It fits snugly yet confortably well. And you will be assured it stays on your mitts if a tumble occurs. Few added features are now available like air scoops or wind catching vents,plush lining, heated gloves for colder rides, abrasion pads, gloves that are pre-curved and those that have anti-allergy components so you won't have to deal with allergic reactions to your skin.

One factor of choosing your pair of gloves is the weather conditions of the place you live. If you live in a hot humid area, you may be tempted to go bare, open-tipped or fingerless gloves, but you can never be too sure in today's non-guaranteed-anything-can happen-world. Full fingered gloves protects your digits from blisters,blazing heat,flying debris all the while providing comfort.

That's why any self-respecting rider owns not just a pair but several pair of motorcycle gloves to go through different seasons throughout the year. A light pair with air scoops for summer, a heavy insulated pair for winter rides and for in between weather a middleweight Harley davidson gloves.
 
Harley Davidson Gloves


Thanks for visiting Harley Davidson Accessories Guide...stay tuned for more...

Custom Harley Davidson Motorcycle-Extend Your Personality

Harley Davidson motorcycles can be customized in numerous and different ways using different parts. Of course, that can be done in such a way that reflects your inner impression and infuses your unique personality.

For instance, if you are the kind of person who feels the need for speed, you might modify the bike's engine for increased horsepower like updating ignitions, cams or carburetors.

Or if you are the type who just wants to just let it all hang out just cruising and taking long road trips but still wants to look good riding your Harley, you might want to add a black leather studded saddlebag and if you want to enhance sophistication, use chrome parts.

Varieties of accessories can be added to your Harley Davidson motorcycle are radios and GPS, grips, decorative gas caps,floorboards, Harley seats, mirrors, timer covers,windshield and windshield trim,exhaust system,sissy bar grips,backrest pad, fender trim etc.

Look at the pictures for sources of inspiration as to how to customize your Harley bike.

Customizing your bike creates more pride and excitement to the owner. Why? Because you will surely make heads turn, as you rumble down the street, knowing your bike looks distinctive from all the other Harleys in the world. There is no other like it.

It is indeed a work of art.

Things To Consider When Buying A Used Harley Davidson Motorcycle

To buy a brand new Harley Davidson motorcycle is a whole story in itself. It doesn't come cheap. A better alternative is to buy a used Harley bike. But which used Harley Davidson motorcycle is the best? Whether you are thinking of buying a vintage used Harley or a recent model, the excitement is still the same. It's a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Owning one is like owning your own personal 142 foot rigger.

Before plunking down the cash, you have to realize that the cash investment is not the final monetary outlay. You have to have additional budget for the maintenance of the bike. Here are the things to keep in mind when buying a used Harley Davidson motorcycle.

1. Look for color, style, model and how old you would like your used Harley bike to be and match it with your budget that you can afford. The internet help save time than doing your legwork out in the "real" world.

2. Know the price structure of the current market value of used Harley Bikes. So that you will be able to determine if you are going to be getting the best possible deal. Investigate finance and insurance rates as well.

3. You should know if the parts are easily available, in case you might need to replace parts in your used Harley bike in the near future.

4. Check the overall condition of the used Harley bike:

-Look for visible signs of corrosive rust, dents ( bent rims, bent control rods, bent fork tubes), paint scratches, missing handlebar grips and damaged panels.

-Mileage-check it because it's the main basis of the price that is being offered. -Check oil and oil filter. If it smells burned, its a sure sign of engine problems. Look for any lines of oil and hydraulic leaks.

-Check the tire pressure with the aid of a tire gauge. look for cracks,cuts, signs of wear like only of fifty percent of tread is left of the tires.
-Inspect the headlights, taillights,blinkers,turning signals and brake lights if these are working in good condition. If not, there could be faulty battery connection.

-Check the gas gauge and speedometer are operating smoothly. Saves a lot of trouble than always guessing how much gas is left.

-Check for any missing teeth of the chain, gear and sprockets. There should correct tension so that the motion of the chain is smooth.

-Take the bike for a spin. Check if the engine starts without stuttering. Inspect if there is blue smoke from the exhaust pipes which is another sign that the engine is worn.

-Check if the bike runs steadily. If you keep revving up the engine...hmmm...look elsewhere.

-Try different speeds and check if there are unnecessary noises and vibrations and if the gears shift smoothly. You don't want to be always jerking around every time you shift gears. The clutch should feel solid not slips.

-Turn the handlebars throughout its full operating range to check if the steering mechanism is ok. And let go the handlebars for a second to inspect if the bike tracks straight and not wobbly.

-Check rear and front brakes and suspension.Check to see how well the brake pads grip, if not they are unevenly adjusted.

-Inspect the clutch,throttle and brake level are working smoothly. Also the grips of the handlebar.

-Lastly but certainly not the least, ask this question...how does the bike feel for you? Are the mirrors correctly positioned as you are sitting on the bike? Are the handlebars situated at the correct distance from you? Feel how the bike rides,stops and so on.

Now you are ready to part with your hard-earned money but there are few more details to take care of: -Maintenance history. If there is a written documentation of mechanical check up, previous owners,verifying the VIN number - Other miscellaneous costs-state registration fee, license plate fee,title fee and insurance. If you are purchasing from a dealership, its already set up for you, if from a private seller, you have to go to a notary. -If there is no owner's manual, you can look online.Seo Tricks